Marion County voters will decide Nov. 3 whether the county can borrow up to $140 million for parks, trails, land conservation and water-resource protection.
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners has placed the general obligation bond measure on the November general election ballot. The county says the funding could be used to acquire and preserve land, expand or improve parks and trails, and protect drinking-water sources, springs, rivers, lakes, farms and forests.
If approved, the bonds could be repaid through countywide property taxes of up to 0.35 mill and could mature within 20 years of each issuance.
The measure would authorize the borrowing but would not require the county to issue the full $140 million or levy the maximum tax rate.
Under the proposed funding structure, at least 70% would go toward construction and other capital costs. Up to 20% could be used for land acquisition and preservation, including conservation easements, while no more than 10% could be spent on program management and related operations and maintenance.
The resolution does not identify specific properties or construction projects. Any future land purchases would require separate approval by the County Commission and applicable due diligence.
If voters approve the measure, the commission would have 180 days to adopt an initial parks and conservation program plan at a public meeting. The plan would outline proposed projects, locations, estimated costs, financing methods and schedules.
The measure also includes financial and public-reporting requirements. The county would maintain separate accounting for program funds, publish quarterly information on revenues, debt, project spending and contracts, and undergo an annual independent financial and compliance review.
The ballot question is titled the Marion County General Obligation Bond Referendum for Parks, Trails, Clean Water Protection, Farms and Forests.
The county’s public records list the measure as Resolution 26-R-288.
